MORE than two thirds of Glasgow residents have voiced their support for plans to top up child support by £5 a week.

The plans, which are to be voted on as part of the Scottish Parliament's social security committee today, would help to lift 30,000 kids out of poverty across the country.

A survey conducted for the Poverty Alliance questioned people on their views across Scotland, including more than 100 Glasgow residents.

Of those asked, 43 per cent said they would strongly support the measures, which would cost a total of £250m.

A quarter of residents say they would 'somewhat support' the plans, while 17 11 per cent said they either strongly opposed or 'somewhat' opposed.

Glasgow's opinions correspond with those of the rest of the Scottish population - around two thirds of the 1037 people asked across the country also agreed with the plans.

The vote on the two amendments of the Child Poverty Bill will take place today, both relating to the topping up of child benefits.

The plans have been supported by the Scottish Labour and Scottish Green parties.

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “These poll results come just before Stage 2 of the child poverty bill.

“It is clear that there is a public appetite in Scotland for topping up child benefit and lifting children out of poverty.

“We have spoken with families across Scotland about what difference this could make to them, and it was clear that for many families this would mean being able to buy better food or help them afford school supplies.

“All the predictions are that child poverty is going to increase over the next few years. Now is the time to act to make sure that families in Scotland do not face even greater pressure than they already do now.

“If we are serious about eradicating child poverty in Scotland by 2030, then this is one of the necessary steps to achieving this.

“Tackling poverty is a matter of political will so let’s use the levers at our disposal in Scotland."